State Officials Commemorate Service During National Crime Victims' Rights Week

The Oregon Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, reaching out to more than six million people since coming to Oregon in 2001.

Oregon VINE is a free and anonymous service that keeps crime victims and their families informed about the custody status of Oregon offenders. VINE monitors individuals being held in county jails, the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) and Oregon Youth Authority facilities and individuals currently on community supervision.

"Victims of crime should be able to know the status of the person who victimized them. VINE provides crime victims a critical service that enhances their personal safety and helps them make informed choices," said Max Williams, DOC director. "Oregon is proud to be one of the first states to recognize VINE's value, and the numbers speak for themselves."

In its 10-year history, approximately 5.4 million phone notifications have been made to victims, while 423,000 contacts were via email.

VINE was created in 1994 following the murder of Mary Byron in Louisville, Kentucky. She and her parents had asked to be notified when Mary's ex-boyfriend was released from jail. They were never told and he was released, murdering her on her 21st birthday.

Oregon was the eleventh state to launch the service on a statewide basis. VINE is currently available in nearly every state in the nation as well as Puerto Rico. It is available in both English and Spanish.

The Oregon Department of Corrections joined other criminal justice agencies to commemorate the automated notification service during National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This year's theme is "Reshaping the Future. Honoring the Past," paying tribute to the millions of crime survivors who have rebuilt their lives following tragedy.

To sign up for VINE, new users can call 1-877-OR-4-VINE (1-877-674-8463); alternatively, users can visit the VINE Web site at www.vinelink.com, click on their state and search by name or ID number.